Discover the power of fasting and prayer with these twelve Bible verses about fasting and prayer.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of these spiritual practices in deepening our faith, seeking God’s guidance, and experiencing His presence and power in our lives.
Learn about the spiritual benefits of fasting, the importance of humility and sincerity in prayer, and the guidance provided in key Bible chapters.
Find inspiration and guidance for deepening your spiritual life through fasting and prayer.
Bible verses about fasting and prayer
Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about fasting and prayer:
1. Matthew 6:16-18 – “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”
2. Isaiah 58:6 – “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?”
3. Joel 2:12 – “Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:”
4. Ezra 8:23 – “So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.”
5. Acts 13:2-3 – “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
6. Matthew 17:21 – “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”
7. Psalm 35:13 – “But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.”
8. Matthew 6:5-7 – “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.”
9. Luke 2:37 – “And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.”
10. 1 Corinthians 7:5 – “Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.”
11. Nehemiah 1:4 – “And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,”
What does the Bible say about fasting and prayer?
The Bible speaks about fasting and prayer as important spiritual practices that can bring us closer to God.
Fasting involves abstaining from food or other pleasures for a period of time in order to focus on prayer and spiritual reflection.
Prayer is a way of communicating with God and seeking guidance, wisdom, and strength.
Together, fasting and prayer can help us deepen our faith, repent of sins, and seek God’s will for our lives.
The Bible also emphasizes the importance of humility, sincerity, and perseverance in our fasting and prayer, and warns against using these practices for show or self-promotion.
Ultimately, the goal of fasting and prayer is to draw closer to God and experience His presence and power in our lives.
What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about fasting and prayer?
1. Matthew 6:16-18 – This chapter talks about the importance of fasting and how it should be done in secret, without seeking attention or praise from others. It emphasizes the spiritual benefits of fasting and how it can help us draw closer to God.
2. Joel 2:12-17 – This chapter talks about the importance of repentance and fasting as a way to seek God’s forgiveness and mercy. It emphasizes the need for humility and sincerity in our prayers and fasting, and how it can lead to spiritual renewal and restoration.
3. Ezra 8:21-23 – This chapter talks about how Ezra and his companions fasted and prayed for God’s protection and guidance as they journeyed to Jerusalem. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s help and direction through prayer and fasting, especially in times of difficulty and uncertainty.
4. Acts 13:1-3 – This chapter talks about how the early church leaders fasted and prayed before sending out missionaries to spread the gospel. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance and empowerment through prayer and fasting, especially in ministry and evangelism.
Overall, these chapters provide guidance and inspiration for those seeking to deepen their spiritual lives through fasting and prayer. They emphasize the importance of humility, sincerity, and seeking God’s guidance and empowerment in all aspects of our lives.
Ideas and concepts related to fasting and prayer that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.
1. Humility – Fasting and prayer are often associated with humility, as they require a person to deny themselves and submit to God’s will. Humility is a key aspect of Christian faith and is emphasized throughout the Bible.
2. Repentance – Fasting and prayer are often used as a means of repentance, or turning away from sin and seeking forgiveness from God. This concept is central to the Bible and is a key part of the Christian message.
3. Spiritual discipline – Fasting and prayer are both spiritual disciplines that require a person to intentionally set aside time and focus on their relationship with God. This concept is also emphasized throughout the Bible, as Christians are called to live a life of discipline and devotion.
4. Dependence on God – Fasting and prayer are both ways of acknowledging our dependence on God and seeking His guidance and provision. This concept is central to the Bible, as Christians are called to trust in God and rely on Him for all their needs.
5. Spiritual warfare – Fasting and prayer are often used as a means of spiritual warfare, or fighting against the forces of evil in the world. This concept is also emphasized throughout the Bible, as Christians are called to resist the devil and stand firm in their faith.
